You don’t have to be an expert in every facet of data collection and reporting, but foundational knowledge in the core building blocks of the data-informed decision making process is certainly key.
Delivered in an engaging manner, these virtual workshops introduce skills needed for a strong data-informed decision culture and are packed with information considered to be the foundational knowledge in each area of concentration.
Who should participate? The workshops are designed for anyone who works closely with data in higher education—not just IR professionals. Read testimonials from higher ed professionals like you who've participated in a foundations workshop.
Which workshop(s) would help reinforce your foundation?*
- Foundations of Research Design
- Foundations of Data
- Foundations of Survey Design
- Foundations of Descriptive Statistics
- Foundations of Effective Reporting
*Workshops can be taken independently. There are no pre-requisites, and there is no suggested sequence. Sign up for the workshops you need, when you need them!
Upcoming Workshops
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Foundations of Research Design
Time Commitment: 5 hours | Cost: $225/$325 (member/nonmember)
This workshop teaches the basic principles of designing a research project in the context of higher education. We explore quantitative, qualitative, and mixed method research designs and methodologies as well as sampling and data collection techniques. We also discuss limitations and advantages to different research designs with a focus on selecting the correct design for the research problem.
As a result of this workshop, participants will be able to:
- Identify a research project, draft appropriate research questions, and identify its research design.
- Articulate the differences between quantitative, qualitative, and mixed method research designs.
- Understand real-world constraints on the selection of an appropriate research design.
- Understand data collection, sampling techniques, and reliability and validity measures related to research designs.
Foundations of Data
Time Commitment: 5 hours | Cost: $225/$325 (member/nonmember)
This workshop teaches the basic principles of data and data management in the context of higher education. We explore the several types of data, where those data are located within an institution, how data are governed, the sources of internal and external data, and how data are stored and accessed. Participants new to higher education data will be served easy-to-understand information and those needing a refresher will find useful tips.
As a result of this workshop, participants will be able to:
- Articulate the types of data and the four levels of measurement.
- Understand common data-related higher education terminology.
- Identify sources of administrative, non-administrative, and external data.
- Describe basic concepts related to data governance and management.
Foundations of Survey Design
Time Commitment: 5 hours | Cost: $225/$325 (member/nonmember)
This workshop teaches, in non-technical terms, the foundational principles of survey design and administration in the context of higher education. We discuss common survey question types, provide some tips on ways to construct high-quality survey questions, and discuss how to structure a survey instrument. Participants new to survey research will be served consumable information and those needing a refresher will find useful tips.
As a result of this workshop, participants will be able to:
- Identify common survey question types.
- Construct survey items that meet a high standard of quality.
- Draft and organize a survey instrument.
- Conduct translation-related validity tests on a survey instrument.
Foundations of Descriptive Statistics
Time Commitment: 5 hours | Cost: $225/$235 (member/nonmember)
This workshop teaches the foundations of descriptive statistics in the context of higher education. We explore measures of distributions, central tendency, dispersion, position, and graphs to summarize data. Participants new to descriptive statistics will be served consumable information and those needing a refresher will find useful tips.
As a result of this workshop, participants will be able to:
- Articulate what a distribution is, when to use measures of distribution, and be able to perform those calculations.
- Articulate reasons to use percentiles to describe a dataset and be able to perform those calculations.
- Differentiate between measures of central tendency, when to use each, and be able to perform those calculations.
- Differentiate between measures of dispersion, when to use each, and be able to perform those calculations.
Foundations of Effective Reporting
Time Commitment: 5 hours | Cost: $225/$325 (member/nonmember)
This workshop explores the visual, written, and organizational elements of effective reporting. In this course, we provide some tips for reporting, explore how to construct a data story, how to write an executive summary, and some tips for visualizations. Participants new to reporting will be served easy-to-understand information and those needing a refresher will find useful tips.
As a result of this workshop, participants will be able to:
- Articulate the principles of data storytelling.
- Create a data story using a data table or chart.
- Identify common types of data visualizations, when to use them, and common pitfalls.
- Describe the various audiences for a report and identify their reporting needs.
Testimonials
Foundations of Research Design
"Data is a key component of informed decision-making and helps us learn where we can improve in future endeavors. This workshop provides you with the knowledge to both define and analyze your data." —Ashley Creson, Trident Technical College
"The first class inspired me to create an interest survey for students in our Basic Patient Care Dual Enrollment program. Understanding their interests allows me to organize relevant field trips or invite speakers with careers aligned to their goals. With just 28 students in my grant cohort, I’m excited to use this information to support their future career preparation." —Anonymous
"This course was a pivotal experience that enriched my work as an educator, leader in student success services, and forensic psychology researcher. The evidence-based strategies and interdisciplinary insights have empowered me to lead initiatives that support diverse learners and drive academic excellence across our institution that I now will apply in student success services to better support our students. The curriculum was thoughtfully designed, and the collaborative environment fostered meaningful professional growth. I am grateful I was given the opportunity to be a part of this amazing cohort on the path to becoming a Data Champion." —Dr. Whitney Johnson, Orangeburg-Calhoun Technical College
"The workshops have been priceless in helping to further understand the basics of this dynamic and valuable field. Institutional effectiveness and research is a key to bettering the higher education system and providing not just a college experience, but one that is continuing to improve and provide quality education to the students that attend." —Anonymous
"What a great resource. I would recommend it to anyone, whether for a beginner or a refresher for a veteran IR employee." —Anonymous
Foundations of Data
"AIR's Foundations of Data workshop provided me with a better understanding of data collection. The aspects of what types of data and their importance and application in reference to reporting and institutional effectiveness will be instrumental in the further development of our institution. What may seem as elementary to some, this workshop provides a clear foundational understanding upon which to build an efficient and well structured Institutional Effectiveness department. Thank you AIR!" —Mary Veloni, Faith International University
"The workshop was interactive, interesting, and insightful! Definitely worth the money and time." —Anonymous
Foundations of Survey Design
"A great deal of the feedback obtained in higher education is via surveys. This training ensures participants make the most of their surveys by considering research questions and the dos and donts of designing quality surveys." —Anonymous
"Everyone has heard of surveys, but who knew there were so many types?! This workshop helps break down how to conduct surveys for the best chance at accurate responses every time." —Ashley Creson, Trident Technical College
"This course provided exactly what it advertised. I started with almost no knowledge and I left with a strong foundation and a list of ways to keep growing in my skills." —Anonymous
"The content was on point! I found this to be a well-constructed and executed program. Timing was perfect and the group size allowed for discussion that I have not had before in a Zoom setting." —Andy Diehl, College of Western Idaho
Foundations of Descriptive Statistics
"A good explanation of how to apply your data in descriptive statistics. Also provides guidance on how to explain descriptive statistics to your data consumers." —Anonymous
"Foundations of Descriptive Statistics overviews the basic and formative statistical functions an IR professional needs. This class teaches you how to go from raw data to organizing and calculating it into useable information." —Jodi Barnes, Trinity School
Foundations of Effective Reporting
"Although I work with data daily, I gained valuable insights and discovered new approaches to reporting—an area I’ve often found challenging. This course provided answers to questions I had long been seeking and offered practical, thoughtful guidance throughout. It covers an impressive amount of information in a realistic and accessible way. I would highly recommend it to anyone who uses data to support or tell the story of their institution." —Jill Glasser, Horry-Georgetown Technical College
"We work with a significant amount of data that can help inform future strategies, programs, and policies, so this training was highly valuable in learning to dissect and present it!" —Ashley Creson, Trident Technical College
"Whether you're new to the world of data analysis or in need of a refresher, this workshop series is perfect for accommodating both." —Anonymous
"This workshop provided many practical and applicable ideas and insights that I can begin to use immediately in my work. It is one of the best/most useful professional development courses that I've taken. I feel empowered to give recommendations based on my data analysis and research, and I feel equipped with ideas to write effective and persuasive reports that are more likely to be read and appreciated." —Kelli Voyles, Covenant College
"This workshop was so helpful to me as I was grappling with the best way to present and convey the meaning of the data to not only campus stakeholders, but community stakeholders as well. As a newer IR/IE professional, I found this workshop to be incredibly valuable and loved being able to attend from my living room." —Heather Rondeau, Alexandria Technical & Community College
Contact Us
For more information on foundations workshops, please email training@airweb.org.